Knowledge Base

BALL UNIT DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION

What is a Ball Transfer Unit?

Alwayse Ball Transfer Units are a multidirectional, material handling system manufactured from high quality materials in our Birmingham factory.

They consist of a large load-bearing ball which sits upon many small balls encapsulated in a hemi-spherical cup. The housing can contain a seal to clean the load ball as it rotates. The design greatly reduces friction and allows heavy loads to be moved with a minimum of effort.

Ball units may be used in any orientation but deviation from Load Ball Up may result in a reduction in the stated load ratings.

BALL UNIT MATERIALS & SPECIFICATION

Alwayse Ball Transfer Units are available in a variety of materials depending upon the application and / or environment. They are identified by the Type suffix to the Part Number e.g. 1008 Type 13 (1008-13)

Ball Units Knowledge Base

What is a Ball Transfer Unit? Alwayse Ball Transfer Units are a multidirectional, material handling system manufactured from high quality materials.
A Ball Unit (Ball Roller) consists of a large load-bearing ball which sits upon many small balls encapsulated in a hemi-spherical cup. The housing can contain a seal to clean the load ball as it rotates. The design greatly reduces friction and allows heavy loads to be moved with a minimum of effort. Our ball transfer units may be used in any orientation but deviation from Load Ball Up may result in a reduction in the stated load ratings.
Ball Transfer Units can be supplied in a range of materials. Standard materials for the unit body are Carbon Steel or Stainless Steel, while options for the ball bearings are Carbon or Stainless Steel, or Nylon. Bespoke materials are also available on request.
Ball Transfer Units can be fitted using a variety of fixing methods, including Flange, Base, Thread, Hole and Clamp fixings.
Load capacities for Ball Transfer Units can vary from one or two kilograms up to 10 tonnes per ball unit.
Spacing of units (pitch) is calculated by dividing the narrowest dimension of the article by 3.5, this ensures that 3 transfer units are supporting the load at any given time.

Need more help selecting the right Ball Unit?

You can use the Ball Unit Identifier to help you narrow your results or if you are unsure of your requirements, our technical team are here to help you...

EducationResources

What is the Ball Unit Identifier?

The Alwayse Ball Unit Identifier allows you quickly identify suitable units based on 2 key criteria. By choosing from the options listed you will be given a variety of ball transfer products which meet your needs.

If you know the Alwayse part number enter it and you will be taken directly to the appropriate information. You can also enter other companies’ part numbers to find the Alwayse equivalent.

Fixing Method

Choose the appropriate fixing for your application if known.

Load Capacity

Choose the maximum load capacity required. Please note that these are for a load up orientation. For load down or other orientations please note that the maximum load capacity may be reduced.